I love our Harmony 650, we have it for three years… But the MacOS Catalina update broke the Harmony Mac App to program it. I never thought I’d ever say I guess it’s time to upgrade my tv remote, but here we are!
I have one. I had it for three years and it never worked as advertised. When you have a mixture of IR, and Bluetooth remotes that need to be choreographed together such as a TV and a 2017 Nvidia Shield TV, the sequences seem to always get out of sync with each other. I gave up and rely on HDMI CEC and the TV’s own built-in method of detecting a video signal. When there isn’t a video signal, the TV will automatically shutoff. This finally worked for me. It’s a Samsung TV btw, I plan on getting an LG OLED this month so perhaps I’ll have better luck with the LG tv.
I’ve had this remote for years (Love it!). My dad has the more expensive Harmony remote w/ touch screen (it sucks). You want physical buttons, not a touch screen. Otherwise we’d all be using our phones or iPads for remotes. Buttons rule!
I have both and totally agree even pairing the touch to the hub I still end up using the simpler one …much more intuitive,lighter and battery last for months
“it uses a coin battery” … it lost a sale right there. I’ve got some remotes that are USB rechargable (which I need to recharge 2-3 times a year maximum). Coin batteries are so last century, along with AAA’s.
whats up with ring and sci fi bracelet your a tech guy not a pimp, beside who gives a dame about a umiversal remote control who still watch TV people now a days the use their TV as computer monitor take it easy and bring some valued product review that have an actual benefit or new tech.
I use my mobile phone to control all my devices. And some of them can be controlled even when I am out inspecting the warmth of global warming up north near the north pole.
You sound just like my cousin: he got one almost a year ago and he so loves it!! Same with my friends, they all talk me into buying it but I haven’t jumped ship yet, maybe now is the time? Well, the reason is I’m ok with what I have now: I only have 2 remotes that I use everyday: TV & my Tivo, next is my Nvidia Shield TV and last is my soundbar. The only remote I don’t like is the Nvidia Shield as it’s small for my hand and I have to recharge it more often now. Well, I’ll take a look at the Harmony now.
Universal’s have their place… replacing your parents lost remote and the geeks with a massive AV kit. But honestly, I wonder who buys these any more. The Bluetooth remote that came with my TV does everything. This just sounds like a paid advert.
@jce2702 I have used harmony for years because it’s the easiest way to use one remote to control everything. I have 5 devices connected to my TV through an audio/video receiver. What a pain that would be to control if I had to manually turn everything on, switch inputs on the receiver, turn stuff off when I want to switch to another source, switch inputs again, etc. every time I wanted to watch something. Worse, trying to explain it to my wife in a way she would understand and remember all the time would be a nightmare. Using a Harmony and having it remember all the steps for watching each device is so easy.
John Gyver as a harmony user for the past several years it’s difficult to think of major downsides but I can think of a few issues that bother me.
1. Setup time – If you have an intricate AV system with lots of devices it can take a while to get them all added and the “activities” properly setup so that it all functions the way it’s supposed to. I would recommend using the desktop app to set it up vs the mobile app, I find it quicker to navigate through and customize than the mobile app. But once it’s done the automation is practically perfect.
2. Bluetooth Dropout – Not sure if it’s the harmony hub or the devices it’s connecting to but I sometimes notice a lag or disconnection with devices connected through Bluetooth. Specifically the firestick and PS4, it’ll eventually reconnect but it takes longer than I believe it should. Sometimes with my PS4 I have to delete it and add it back on through the PS4 settings. Also, something to note about the using it with the PS4… Sony blocked the ability to actually turn ON the PS4 from the harmony so you need to use the PS4 controller to do that which most times isn’t a big deal since you’ll need the controller to play a game anyway but if you were just trying to Netflix and chill it’s a drag to pull out the controller just to turn it on.
3. Amazon Alexa – Whereas you can certainly use Alexa to control the hub/activities the commands aren’t as intuitive as they should be. I had to play around with the “routines” in my Alexa app to get it to do what I wanted and even then it’s still not perfect but we get by.
4. Multiple Hubs with Alexa – This is probably more on Amazon than Harmony but I believe they should work together to resolve this issue. I have two hubs in my home (living room & garage) but can only control the living room one with Alexa. They are both named differently but I can’t control more than one with the same amazon account. The workaround is to have a separate account for each hub which is a bummer because I had to re-link all my other automation hardware accounts to the new amazon account and re-create all my “routines”
5. IR Blasters – The hub itself has a bunch of IR blasters built right into it that shoot in every direction which is really helpful but if you need to add more for components that can’t be “seen” by those built-ins the hub has two additional ports for auxiliary blasters but only comes with one in the box. The port itself I believe is a 2.5mm jack which is not the standard so you have to buy their smaller one for about $15, not a big deal but it’s definitely something that can delay your setup if you weren’t prepared.
6. No WiFi, No worky – The Harmony system is dependent on a network, if your wifi network goes down so does your remote. But it doesn’t necessarily need the internet to work just the WiFi network so if your ISP is having issues it should still work as long as your LAN is still active. But you do need Internet to get it setup for the first time.
All in all though it’s a pretty rock solid system that works every time and is so simple to use once it’s setup. I even set one up at my parents house and haven’t gotten a call about it since.
I haven’t really run into any major issues in my years of owning a Harmony remote. But a commenter did refresh my memory that there is no Mic on the device. So, you can’t speak to it to control certain devices. That is definitely a downside.
Or how about don’t buy this garbage and go completely “modern”? Huawei p30 Pro comes with remote features u can download any remote control software and use it phone to control it devices
This video wreaks of paid product placement, but I will also say I’ve had Harmony remotes since the special Xbox 360 one like 12 years ago and I’ll never go without it. It definitely simplifies my complicated setups for the family and guests.
As long as it’s setup I heart my harmony remote 900 that still works. Unfortunately my TV died so no need for a remote with my current setup. WMC DVR on my desktop.
I use the Harmony Hub. Alexa can use it. I say “Alexa, mute the television” a dozen times a day. I always want to say “thank you” when she does it but she ignores me.
this unit only has 1 blaster u have to order a second if needed
most homes only need the harmony 650 or the home elite if u want the bells and whistles
for fancy setups .
also to do some of the fancier things u need to maintain a wifi connection with the hubs .
big weakness for these remotes is dropping them on a firm to hard surface they won’t survive many hits
also do not sit on them .
مجهول ٥٠٧
November 4, 2019 at 2:01 pm
♥️👍🏼
S. E. C-R
November 4, 2019 at 2:11 pm
I love our Harmony 650, we have it for three years… But the MacOS Catalina update broke the Harmony Mac App to program it. I never thought I’d ever say I guess it’s time to upgrade my tv remote, but here we are!
Jogie Glen Mait
November 4, 2019 at 2:15 pm
You might need a thicker shirt, man.
Matthew Datcher
November 4, 2019 at 2:19 pm
And to think at one time Logitech tried to drop Harmony.
Streaming Junkie
November 4, 2019 at 2:19 pm
I have one. I had it for three years and it never worked as advertised. When you have a mixture of IR, and Bluetooth remotes that need to be choreographed together such as a TV and a 2017 Nvidia Shield TV, the sequences seem to always get out of sync with each other. I gave up and rely on HDMI CEC and the TV’s own built-in method of detecting a video signal. When there isn’t a video signal, the TV will automatically shutoff. This finally worked for me. It’s a Samsung TV btw, I plan on getting an LG OLED this month so perhaps I’ll have better luck with the LG tv.
Francisco Ortiz
November 4, 2019 at 3:05 pm
Streaming Junkie that’s the one gripe,when things go out of sync but I’ve found it works well 90% of the time even with my Lutron dimmers
Stephen Huxtable
November 4, 2019 at 2:25 pm
I used universal remotes before and found setting up a pain and if your devices were not all in the same state ie on or off you get into a mess
Stephen Huxtable
November 4, 2019 at 2:27 pm
HDMI switchers sounds great but no
Piyush Parmar
November 4, 2019 at 2:31 pm
2:03 you can’t control your system when you’re under the blanket. 😂🤣😂
salmonline
November 4, 2019 at 2:32 pm
you have never *RUN into any…
cowboysamuraiカウボーイ侍
November 4, 2019 at 2:46 pm
2.09 that girl looks so uninterested, didnt you got any other photo cnet
New Ant
November 4, 2019 at 2:51 pm
U can tell they got paid alot for this
Christopher Alden
November 4, 2019 at 2:52 pm
I’ve had this remote for years (Love it!). My dad has the more expensive Harmony remote w/ touch screen (it sucks). You want physical buttons, not a touch screen. Otherwise we’d all be using our phones or iPads for remotes. Buttons rule!
Francisco Ortiz
November 4, 2019 at 3:03 pm
I have both and totally agree even pairing the touch to the hub I still end up using the simpler one …much more intuitive,lighter and battery last for months
Vee Macks
November 4, 2019 at 2:57 pm
“it uses a coin battery” … it lost a sale right there. I’ve got some remotes that are USB rechargable (which I need to recharge 2-3 times a year maximum). Coin batteries are so last century, along with AAA’s.
Francisco Ortiz
November 4, 2019 at 3:04 pm
Vee Macks this makes it cheaper and FYI in 2 years of daily use I’ve only changed it once
Vee Macks
November 4, 2019 at 3:10 pm
@Francisco Ortiz I wasn’t serious about losing a sale though, I was never gonna buy one. Good it’s not so heavy on usage though.
stuyboy
November 4, 2019 at 3:00 pm
Does harmony connect to a 5ghz WiFi hub yet?
BL Abal Abal
November 4, 2019 at 3:23 pm
I concern to your finger….. 🤔
Peter Lehotai
November 4, 2019 at 3:54 pm
Well, actually my Xiaomi MI 9 SE is the best remote and I have it always with me 😉
Benjamin Malave Jr.
November 4, 2019 at 4:10 pm
My iPhone is a good universal remote controller.
Speed Racer
November 4, 2019 at 4:28 pm
When are they refreshing these?
nayofa
November 4, 2019 at 4:31 pm
whats up with ring and sci fi bracelet your a tech guy not a pimp, beside who gives a dame about a umiversal remote control who still watch TV people now a days the use their TV as computer monitor take it easy and bring some valued product review that have an actual benefit or new tech.
Zen = Yen 🔴
November 4, 2019 at 4:39 pm
I use my mobile phone to control all my devices. And some of them can be controlled even when I am out inspecting the warmth of global warming up north near the north pole.
Jaric Fontaine
November 4, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Amazon fire cube is my preferred controller. I love voice command. Also the white version gets so dirty.
Antonio Perez
November 4, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Have had mines for about a month. Love it!!! 1 button and everything turns on!
John Doe
November 4, 2019 at 6:53 pm
You sound just like my cousin: he got one almost a year ago and he so loves it!! Same with my friends, they all talk me into buying it but I haven’t jumped ship yet, maybe now is the time? Well, the reason is I’m ok with what I have now: I only have 2 remotes that I use everyday: TV & my Tivo, next is my Nvidia Shield TV and last is my soundbar. The only remote I don’t like is the Nvidia Shield as it’s small for my hand and I have to recharge it more often now. Well, I’ll take a look at the Harmony now.
John Gyver
November 4, 2019 at 8:17 pm
If you list only the advantages of a device, it sounds like an ad to me.
Where are the downsides? No product is perfect.
jce2702
November 4, 2019 at 9:28 pm
Universal’s have their place… replacing your parents lost remote and the geeks with a massive AV kit. But honestly, I wonder who buys these any more. The Bluetooth remote that came with my TV does everything. This just sounds like a paid advert.
BeHitchSlapped
November 4, 2019 at 10:53 pm
@jce2702 I have used harmony for years because it’s the easiest way to use one remote to control everything. I have 5 devices connected to my TV through an audio/video receiver. What a pain that would be to control if I had to manually turn everything on, switch inputs on the receiver, turn stuff off when I want to switch to another source, switch inputs again, etc. every time I wanted to watch something. Worse, trying to explain it to my wife in a way she would understand and remember all the time would be a nightmare. Using a Harmony and having it remember all the steps for watching each device is so easy.
Jonathan Madrigal
November 5, 2019 at 2:28 pm
John Gyver as a harmony user for the past several years it’s difficult to think of major downsides but I can think of a few issues that bother me.
1. Setup time – If you have an intricate AV system with lots of devices it can take a while to get them all added and the “activities” properly setup so that it all functions the way it’s supposed to. I would recommend using the desktop app to set it up vs the mobile app, I find it quicker to navigate through and customize than the mobile app. But once it’s done the automation is practically perfect.
2. Bluetooth Dropout – Not sure if it’s the harmony hub or the devices it’s connecting to but I sometimes notice a lag or disconnection with devices connected through Bluetooth. Specifically the firestick and PS4, it’ll eventually reconnect but it takes longer than I believe it should. Sometimes with my PS4 I have to delete it and add it back on through the PS4 settings. Also, something to note about the using it with the PS4… Sony blocked the ability to actually turn ON the PS4 from the harmony so you need to use the PS4 controller to do that which most times isn’t a big deal since you’ll need the controller to play a game anyway but if you were just trying to Netflix and chill it’s a drag to pull out the controller just to turn it on.
3. Amazon Alexa – Whereas you can certainly use Alexa to control the hub/activities the commands aren’t as intuitive as they should be. I had to play around with the “routines” in my Alexa app to get it to do what I wanted and even then it’s still not perfect but we get by.
4. Multiple Hubs with Alexa – This is probably more on Amazon than Harmony but I believe they should work together to resolve this issue. I have two hubs in my home (living room & garage) but can only control the living room one with Alexa. They are both named differently but I can’t control more than one with the same amazon account. The workaround is to have a separate account for each hub which is a bummer because I had to re-link all my other automation hardware accounts to the new amazon account and re-create all my “routines”
5. IR Blasters – The hub itself has a bunch of IR blasters built right into it that shoot in every direction which is really helpful but if you need to add more for components that can’t be “seen” by those built-ins the hub has two additional ports for auxiliary blasters but only comes with one in the box. The port itself I believe is a 2.5mm jack which is not the standard so you have to buy their smaller one for about $15, not a big deal but it’s definitely something that can delay your setup if you weren’t prepared.
6. No WiFi, No worky – The Harmony system is dependent on a network, if your wifi network goes down so does your remote. But it doesn’t necessarily need the internet to work just the WiFi network so if your ISP is having issues it should still work as long as your LAN is still active. But you do need Internet to get it setup for the first time.
All in all though it’s a pretty rock solid system that works every time and is so simple to use once it’s setup. I even set one up at my parents house and haven’t gotten a call about it since.
iyaz akhtar
November 6, 2019 at 4:43 pm
I haven’t really run into any major issues in my years of owning a Harmony remote. But a commenter did refresh my memory that there is no Mic on the device. So, you can’t speak to it to control certain devices. That is definitely a downside.
abghere
November 4, 2019 at 8:26 pm
No mic?
Nick Simpson
November 4, 2019 at 9:11 pm
Was not expecting this to cost AU$255. It looks $30 at best.
TBT
November 4, 2019 at 9:14 pm
Or how about don’t buy this garbage and go completely “modern”? Huawei p30 Pro comes with remote features u can download any remote control software and use it phone to control it devices
Jonathan Madrigal
November 7, 2019 at 1:37 am
What happens when you leave the house? does the rest of the family not have access to the entertainment center?
My Musik
November 5, 2019 at 2:22 am
It’s nice but super confusing to set up. Ive had it for a year now and still don’t fully know how to set everything up properly.
Rick Fisher
November 5, 2019 at 2:26 am
This video wreaks of paid product placement, but I will also say I’ve had Harmony remotes since the special Xbox 360 one like 12 years ago and I’ll never go without it. It definitely simplifies my complicated setups for the family and guests.
Santo Valentino
November 5, 2019 at 3:53 am
#6 because they paid us for this positive review
Alex Dixon
November 5, 2019 at 3:55 am
Your video is good but Logitech doeant like epson projectors much
Steve K
November 5, 2019 at 5:54 am
Got it
Nick
November 5, 2019 at 6:26 am
As long as it’s setup I heart my harmony remote 900 that still works. Unfortunately my TV died so no need for a remote with my current setup. WMC DVR on my desktop.
Abakus Media
November 5, 2019 at 7:24 am
The Specificity of Coke Zero cracked me up
DylValentine
November 5, 2019 at 11:13 am
Surely it won’t work with Apple TV.
Jonathan Madrigal
November 7, 2019 at 1:34 am
But it does, no problem.
Rove McClain
November 5, 2019 at 12:13 pm
What about the LG OLED TVs? Wouldn’t you lose the WebOS cursor function of the Magic Remote? I would defnitely miss that.
William Hugh Murray, CISSP
November 5, 2019 at 3:37 pm
I use the Harmony Hub. Alexa can use it. I say “Alexa, mute the television” a dozen times a day. I always want to say “thank you” when she does it but she ignores me.
Andreas Setterlind
November 5, 2019 at 9:59 pm
It has no microphone for Android TV so can not fully replace remotes for any Android TV
Andreas Setterlind
November 5, 2019 at 10:01 pm
Microphone for voice control with Google Assistant search or control for example that is
iyaz akhtar
November 6, 2019 at 4:42 pm
You’re right. That might be the biggest downside of the product. Thanks for mentioning that!
lqdxoni1
November 5, 2019 at 11:41 pm
this unit only has 1 blaster u have to order a second if needed
most homes only need the harmony 650 or the home elite if u want the bells and whistles
for fancy setups .
also to do some of the fancier things u need to maintain a wifi connection with the hubs .
big weakness for these remotes is dropping them on a firm to hard surface they won’t survive many hits
also do not sit on them .
cruets anther
November 6, 2019 at 6:55 am
Looks complicated